Skip to content

Leg extension

Add to my week

Build a free week around it — no account needed until you save.

Muscles worked

High load
Quads

Primary muscles

How to do it

Sit back against the pad with the knees aligned to the machine's pivot and the roller on the lower shins. Extend the knees until the legs are straight, squeeze hard at the top, then lower slowly. Use a moderate load and a smooth tempo; jerking into lockout with heavy weight is what irritates the knees here.

Form cues

  • Squeeze hard at the top
  • Slow the lowering phase

Safety

Talk to a professional before this exercise if you have any of the following:

Knee

This is general exercise reference, not medical advice. Stop and consult a qualified professional if an exercise causes pain, and never work through joint pain.

Similar exercises